Structure of Prokaryotic Cells

The diagram of prokaryotic cells shows that it has a simple structure and lack complex organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, etc. The prokaryotic cells example are archae and bacteria. The structure of a prokaryotic cell is discussed below:

• Size of prokaryotic cells can vary betwween 0.1 -5.0 µm.
• Some prokaryotic cells may have a cell envelope that provides them with protection and rigidity.
• This cell envelope can exhibit 3 layers: Glycocalyx, Cell wall, and Plasma membrane.
• Glycocalyx is usually seen in bacteria and acts a slimy envelop that protects the cell from chemical dessication, phagocytes, and adhesion.
• Cell wall is a common structure seen in almost all prokaryotic cell but varies in composition among different organisms. For example a bacterial cell wall is made up of peptidoglycan whereas archaeal cell walls are made up of peudopeptidoglyan and other molecules in combination.
• Plasma membrane is present in all prokaryotic cell and is a trasparent semipermeable membrane composed of a lipid bilayer. It acts as a semipermeable barrier between the cytoplasm and extracellular medium. The plasma membrane also contains receptors that help the cells to sense the environment and aid exchange of material.
• Cytoplasm is colourless, translucent, and gel like matrix enclosed by the cell envelope. Cytoplasm acts as a storage of food and a ground material that contains other cellular components like ribozomes, nucleoid, inclusions, etc.
• Nucleoid is a the region where the prokaryotic DNA remains concentrated but is not bound by the nuclear membrane.
• Flagella can be present in many prokaryotic cells and act as an organ of mobility.
• Mesosomes are typical components seen in all prokaryotic cells. These are present in the form of vessicles, tubules, or lamelle. These structure have multiple functions and hep in DNA replication, secretion, and increasing surface area for respiratory function.
• Pili may be present in bacterial cells. These are hair like outgrowth and help in attatchment with other bacterial cell.

Also Read: Difference Between Cytoplasm And Protoplasm

The diagram of prokaryotic cells helps us to understand the structure of simple prokaryotic organisms and the mechanism by which they interact with the environment. The diagram of prokaryotic cells shows a lack of a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. These cells are considered to be primitive in the evolutionary timeline of the Earth. In this article, we will study the diagram of a prokaryotic cell and its structure in detail.

The diagram of a prokaryotic cell with labeled parts is given below: